Treat a service member in your life to a free meal Nov. 10-13 at one of many California restaurants honoring U.S. armed forces.

CALIFORNIA — Veterans Day — Nov. 11 — a day set aside to recognize U.S. military, falls on a Saturday this year.

The date marked the 1918 end of World War I — on the 11th day, at the 11th hour, in the 11th month — and has evolved into an annual event to honor veterans and active duty.

As a show of appreciation, restaurants throughout California are stepping up with free meals and discounts for armed forces, past and present. Peruse Patch’s annual Veterans Day dining guide, scroll through the images above and find deals near you.

Or if you want to make a difference in the life of those who serve, the American Legion Auxiliary has a suggestion: Invite a vet or an active duty member out to eat.

“We want as many veterans as possible … to take advantage of the special offers at restaurants and stores, but we know not all veterans will be able,” the organization said. “Consider those veterans who can’t easily leave their home, who feel isolated, or just don’t feel comfortable going out alone.

“Anyone can make a difference. It can be as simple as a phone call or text, taking a veteran a meal, or a lunch invitation.”

Don’t forget a military ID or proof of service to redeem the restaurant offers. Also, note that dates for the menu specials vary by eatery, ranging from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13.

To all former and active duty armed forces, thank you for your service!

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SIZZLER: The annual Veterans Day dining deal returns Saturday, Nov. 11 with a free lunch for active & former military. The special will be offered from opening until 4 p.m. with options for free half dozen, crispy shrimp entree, Malibu chicken entree or tri-tip entree. Find locations.

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ACAPULCO: On Nov. 11, veterans & active duty military are offered a free, two-item combo meal. Dine-ins only & valid military ID must be shown. Find locales in Costa Mesa, Downey, Glendale & Long Beach.

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APPLEBEE’S: In keeping with its 16-year tradition, the chain offers a free entree Saturday. Nov. 11 to active duty military, vets, reservists & National Guard for Veterans Day. The dine-in-only deal is from exclusive menu with choice of: top sirloin; bacon cheeseburger; chicken tenders; shrimp; chicken; Oriental chicken salad; or three-cheese chicken penne. Plus, $5 gift card toward future visits will be offered. Info.

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BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE: Vets & current military can enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie (dessert with ooey-gooey, chocolate chunk cookie & vanilla bean ice cream) with any $11.95+ purchase on Saturday, Nov. 11. Valid military ID required. Also offered: a “free appetizer” coupon, that can be redeemed Nov. 12- Dec. 31, dine-in or takeout, with purchase of $14.95 or more. See BJ’s locales throughout California.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: All veterans & active military personnel can enjoy complimentary steak dinner Friday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meal includes a 6-ounce top sirloin, mashed potatoes & broccoli with garlic butter. Available for dine-in & takeout with valid military ID or proof of service. Find locales statewide.

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CALIFORNIA FISH GRILL: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023, a complimentary taco & soft drink will be offered to veterans & active-duty. No purchase necessary. Taco options include battered fish, Cajun shrimp, Cajun salmon, Cajun fish, grilled chicken or the new Mahi Cali-Style Taco. Beverage is either soft drink from self-service fountain or fresh-brewed iced tea. Offer is one taco & drink per person. Military ID or uniform required. Locales statewide.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: On Saturday, Nov. 11, veterans & active military are invited for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage & entree from prix-fixe menu with salads, pizza & pasta. Dine-in only & valid military ID required. Plus, all persons in your party will receive a bounce back card, redeemable Nov. 12-21, for a “Buy One, Get One Free, pizza, pasta or a salad. Details here. Find locales here.

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CHEVYS FRESH MEX: Vets & active duty can will be treated to a free, two-item combo Nov. 11. For dine-in only & valid military ID required. Website. Participating locations: South San Francisco, Vallejo, Sacramento, Fairfield, Elk Grove, Emeryville, Roseville, Santa Rosa & Union City.

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CHILI’S: Veterans & active duty get a free meal Saturday, Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. Menu choices: chili or soup with salad; chicken bacon ranch quesadillas; Old Timer with cheese; or three-piece crispers & fries. Dine-in only with valid military ID. Check participation with your nearby California locations. See offer details.

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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Vets & active duty are invited to dine in for a free meal Monday, Nov. 13 in honor of Veterans Day. Options include BBQ chicken salad, classic cheeseburger, Black Tie Chicken Pasta, meatloaf & mashed potatoes, country fried steak & Southern fried chicken. Info. Find sites statewide.

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DENNY’S: A free, Original Grand Slam will be offered Friday, Nov. 10, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., to all active military & veterans. Dine-in only & military ID or DD214 required. Info.

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DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT: For Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, the BBQ brand is treating military veterans, with proof of service, to a free pulled pork sandwich for carry-out. Order in-store, via app, or online at Dickeys.com with code VETFREE all day. Find shops near you & confirm participation.

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DUNKIN’: As a show of thanks to those who dedicate their lives to protecting our country, the chain is offering all active & retired military a free doughnut on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. Limit one per guest while supplies last. No ID required & available in-store only. Details.

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EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT: On Nov. 11, veterans & active military can enjoy a free, two-item combo meal. For dine-ins only with valid military ID. Find restaurants statewide.

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EUREKA!: The “all-American” restaurant offers a complimentary “American Cheeseburger” Nov. 11 to all active & retired military. No proof needed & deal runs all day. Find locations here.

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GOLDEN CORRAL: On restaurant’s annual Military Appreciation Night, Monday, Nov. 13 from 5 p.m. to closing, active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen & veterans will receive free meal & drink at buffet-style chain. Dine-in only. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) also will be onsite to collect donations for the charity. Location finder here.

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GUACAMIGOS TEQUILA & TACOS: Veterans Day will be observed Monday, Nov. 13 with free meal, from special menu, for vets & active military. Freebie meal options: chicken quesadillas; carnitas tacos; chicken tinga tacos; taco salad; or taco/enchilada combo . Details & reservations. At 2607 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach.

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HOF’S HUT RESTAURANT & BAKERY: Vets & active duty will be honored Friday & Saturday, Nov. 10-11, with complimentary choice of Hofburger or buttermilk pancakes combo. Present proof of service or military ID to server. Dine-in only. Plus, a “$10 Thank You Card” will be given out, and can be redeemed Nov. 24-Dec. 3. Locales in Long Beach, Torrance & Seal Beach.

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HOPDODDY BURGER BAR: Veterans & active-duty military get a free classic burger Nov. 11 at the chain that specializes in unique, handcrafted offerings. Available for dine-in only. Locations in El Segundo, Playa Vista, Newport Beach & Tustin.

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IHOP: As show of appreciation to vets & military, participating locations will offer free, Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. That’s three buttermilk pancakes with strawberry, blueberry & whipped toppings. Dine-in only. Military ID or proof of service required. Details. Location finder here.

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JUICE IT UP!: Veterans & active service members can enjoy a free medium Classic Smoothie Nov. 11 at the smoothie & raw juice chain. Proof of service required. Find locations statewide.

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LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE: A free meal for veterans & military from special menu planned Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Vets Day menu varies by location, featuring such items as All-American Cheeseburger, hand-breaded chicken tenders, BBQ grilled pork chop & more. Available for dine-in only & military ID required. Locales in California.

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LUCILLE’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ: On Friday, Nov. 1o & Saturday, Nov. 11, veterans & active duty, with valid ID or proof of service, can select one of two freebies: pulled pork sandwich & one side; or personal-size Southern fried chicken & two sides. For dine-in only. Details. Locations statewide.

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MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S: On Sunday, Nov. 12, veterans of U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star parents & Gold Star spouses can enjoy a select entrée at half-price. Main course options include salmon, shrimp, top sirloin, fish & chips, chicken & more. Offer is dine-in only. Valid ID required. Reservations recommended. Details & pricing. Locations in Anaheim & San Francisco.

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MENCHIE’S: Free froyo! Veterans & active-duty military receive their first six ounces of frozen yogurt free when presenting valid military ID or proof of service at participating stores across the Golden State on Nov. 11. Location finder here.

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NORMS: The iconic SoCal diner is honoring those who serve and have served with complimentary “Four Deuces” — two eggs, two bacon, two sausage links & two hotcakes — all day Nov. 11. Valid military ID required. For dine-in or to-go only. Find sites throughout Southern California.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: With purchase on an adult entree, active & retired military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion & beverage. Beverage options are a Coca-Cola product or 16-ounce domestic draft (one for military personnel & one for their spouse). Offer is for dine-in Nov. 11. Valid military ID/proof of service required. Plus, vets & military personnel dining on that Saturday will receive a $10 bonus card that is redeemable Nov. 12 to Dec. 17. See locales statewide.

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PILOT FLYING J TRAVEL CENTERS: Over Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 10-12, service members & their families can receive a free meal credit, up to $12 value. Participants must be verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app for the deal, which can be redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J & One9 Fuel Network travel centers’ on-site restaurants. See rewards details here. Locations throughout California.

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POLLY’S PIES: The legendary eatery, with made-from-scratch menu, is offering veterans & active duty a free slice of pie — no purchase necessary — on Nov. 10-11. Military ID required. See sites here in OC, LA & Riverside County.

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QDOBA MEXICAN EATS: Active-duty military and veterans receive 50% off any entrée when showing military ID at check-out on Nov. 11. The offer is valid in-store only. Find restaurants here.

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RED LOBSTER: On Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., vets, active-duty & reservists can receive printed, free meal vouchers that are redeemable Nov. 13 to Dec. 10. The freebie dinner — Veterans Shrimp & Chips— offers six fried shrimp, fries & coleslaw. Military ID or proof of service required Nov. 11 to pick up a voucher. Find restaurants statewide.

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RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS: On Saturday, Nov. 11, veterans & active military can dine-in for a free Big Tavern Burger & endless side of steak fries. The burger features a thick patty, cheese, Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, lettuce & tomatoes on toasted brioche bun. Deal is not valid for online or to-go orders. Details. Find locations.

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ROCK & BREWS: In honor of Veterans Day, a free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salad is offered Saturday, Nov. 11 to vets, military & first responders, too. Dine-in only. Don’t forget military ID or proof of service. Restaurant locations statewide.

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WAYBACK BURGERS: As thanks to military heroes, the chain will donate 10 percent of all Nov. 11 app and online sales to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to U.S. military members, first responders & their families. Find locations. Read details here.

https://patch.com/california/across-ca/veterans-day-2023-where-vets-military-eat-free